There are times, thankfully infrequent, 
when it's simply not "business as usual".  

We at Advanced Access are deeply saddened and
 outraged by Tuesday's acts of terrorism.

Our heart and minds are with the people of New York City, Washington D.C.,
 and everyone affected by the nation's tragedy.

On Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked America in a series of despicable acts of war. They hijacked four passenger jets, crashed two of them into the World Trade Center's twin towers, a third into the Headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense at the Pentagon, causing great loss of life and tremendous damage. The fourth plane crashed in the Pennsylvania countryside, killing all on board but falling well short of its intended target apparently because of the heroic efforts of passengers on board.

This carnage, which caused the collapse of both Trade Center towers and the destruction of part of the Pentagon, killed more than 250 airplane passengers and thousands more on the ground.

Civilized people around the world denounce the evildoers who devised and executed these terrible attacks. Justice demands that those who helped or harbored the terrorists be punished -- and punished severely. The enormity of their evil demands it. We will use all the resources of the United States and our cooperating friends and allies to pursue those responsible for this evil, until justice is done.

We mourn with those who have suffered great and disastrous loss. All our hearts have been seared by the sudden and sense-less taking of innocent lives. We pray for healing and for the strength to serve and encourage one another in hope and faith.

Scripture says: "Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted." I call on every American family and the family of America to observe a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance, honoring the memory of the thousands of victims of these brutal attacks and comforting those who lost loved ones. We will persevere through this national tragedy and personal loss. In time, we will find healing and recovery; and, in the face of all this evil, we remain strong and united, "one Nation under God."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Friday, September 14, 2001, as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001. I ask that the people of the United States and places of worship mark this National Day of Prayer and Remembrance with noontime memorial services, the ringing of bells at that hour, and evening candlelight remembrance vigils. I encourage employers to permit their workers time off during the lunch hour to attend the noontime services to pray for our land. I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in these solemn observances.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

WASHINGTON, D.C.--The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS today established the REALTORS Housing Relief Fund to help pay the mortgage and rental costs of the families devastated by yesterday's terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C.

NAR President Richard Mendenhall urged REALTORS nationwide to contribute to the fund. NAR will make an initial contribution of $1 million to open the fund. Families of victims of yesterday's tragedies, including fire and emergency personnel, will be eligible for assistance to help offset the costs of mortgage payments and rents.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the innocent victims of these terrible acts of terror and to the brave fire, law enforcement, and emergency personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty," he said.

Mendenhall noted that thousands of families of yesterday's victims who own homes may lack insurance and might lose their homes without outside assistance. Other victims' families who rent may not be able to meet future rental costs without help. "Our hope is that none of the families of these victims, who are dealing with a tremendous emotional loss, will also have to suffer the trauma of losing their homes as a result of this terrorist attack."

"The REALTORS Housing Relief Fund is one way that REALTORS nationwide can contribute directly to help those in greatest need," Mendenhall said.

"Today I am asking Americans everywhere, especially members of our REALTOR family, to open their hearts and take a stand against this attack on our national security. Let's demonstrate our commitment to help those who have suffered most. No victim's family should find itself in the position of having to lose their home because of the loss they have suffered," Mendenhall said.

The Fund will begin accepting contributions today, which can be made by calling the REALTORS Housing Relief Fund at 800/874-6500. REALTORS and REALTOR associations wishing to contribute to the fund can find information online through OneRealtorPlace.